Closed container system

ABSTRACT

A sealable container system made of biodegradable materials, including a generally cylindrical, inwardly sloping container body having flattened side portions with holes therein, and a generally cylindrical, inwardly sloping cap with outwardly projecting tabs that are received into the holes to secure the cap onto the container. Inward pressure preleases the tabs from the holes so the cap can be removed without twisting.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/014,484, entitled Closed Container System, filed Jun. 21, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/523,774, entitled Closed-Container System, filed Jun. 23, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/614,338, entitled Closed-Container System, filed Jan. 5, 2018; the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

The present application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/748,519, entitled Closed-Container System With Screw-Type Cap, filed Oct. 19, 2018; the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present system is related to closeable hand-held container systems including, but not limited to, medicine pill bottle style containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, closed container systems (such as medicine pill bottles) were formed from a cylindrical container body having parallel walls that incorporated a twist-cap, a tamper-resistant (i.e.: child-resistant) closure or a snap cap. Some traditional examples of such sealable container systems include the “Push Tab”, “Push and Turn”, and “Snap Cap” vials made by companies like Clarke Container.

Exceptions to these standard designs do exist, such as Target's ClearRx™ design for the container body, which was revamped to display information in a clearer way (see US Published Patent Application 2006/163110). The Target ClearRx™ design deviated from the traditional, cylindrical body and reshaped the pill bottle in a way that made the walls flatter and wider, with the overall shape similar to an inverted trapezoid. There are also a number of newer closure designs as well, such as the “Tab Release Child Safety Feature” (see U.S. Pat. No. 9,150,339) which employs a variety of ways to lock and release the top of the container.

Unfortunately, the issues with these existing systems include difficulty when opening the container, storage inefficiencies, the need for complex manufacturing, and/or excessive production of waste. Moreover, these twist-cap closure systems rely upon torsional force to open and close the container. This requires the hand(s) to act in a twisting motion that places stress on the user's hands, wrists and fingers. Even the standard “Tab Release Safety Feature” system requires considerable dexterity to handle. In these current systems, including the Tab Release Safety Feature or any other variety of twist cap, opening and closing these containers can be challenging for people with arthritis, carpel tunnel, or weak hands and fingers. The significance of these difficulties becomes even more apparent when one considers that a high percentage of the population that relies on these products do in fact face challenges opening and closing the containers that hold their medications.

Second, the parallel walls of the traditional container body (for example, Target's ClearRx™ container) create inefficiencies in terms of storage because these containers do not have the ability to stack inside one another, which would save space during shipment and storage at the pharmacy. Every square inch of storage has value and the significance of this wasted space translates into monetary loss for an operation.

Thirdly, existing systems are impractical from a manufacturing standpoint. Closures of a complex nature, such as those with multiple, small, intricate parts can pose difficulty to large-scale processes where minute details may result in added time and cost.

Lastly, traditional, closed container systems are made of plastics, which go to the landfill and take thousands of years to biodegrade, or they create air pollution when incinerated during disposal. With billions of prescriptions filled each year in the U.S. alone, traditional, closed-container systems leave behind a tremendous carbon foot print. Finding ways to minimize this effect would be beneficial for people, business, and the environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present system provides a child-resistant, closed container system that stabilizes the user's wrist and fingers when manipulating the closure. Users benefit from its simple design, ease of use, efficient storage, and end-of-product life cycle.

In preferred aspects, the present system provides a closed container, comprising: a container body having a cylindrical, inwardly sloping shape, the container body having at least two flattened side portions, each flattened side portion having a hole therein; and a cap receivable into the container body, the cap having a generally cylindrical, inwardly sloping shape, and at least two outwardly projecting tabs, wherein the tabs are receivable into the holes. The outwardly projecting tabs on the cap align with the flattened side portions of the container body such that a user presses inwardly on the cap to remove it from the container body.

Advantages of the present system include at least the following:

Its ergonomic design utilizes compression rather than torsional force to both insert and remove the cap. Essentially, instead of using a twisting motion to screw/unscrew a traditional style cap from or to the container, the present system's user simply compresses the cap to release it and pushes the cap downward to lock it into place. Advantageously, the tabs on the cap and their position within the holes on the container body can create a child-resistant closure system.

When the user grips the container body, the finger and thumb naturally align with the tabs on the cap. This approach stabilizes the wrist and instead focuses the work on the thumb and fingers, which reduces the amount of overall stress on the user's hands and minimizes challenges associated with the dexterity needed to open and close existing systems.

Preferably, both the container body and the cap have closed bottoms and open tops and are stackable, thus saving space during transportation and storage. Preferably, an open notch can be provided above each of the tabs to facilitate stacking of the caps.

The present system has a design that can be made of a variety of materials, including those that are biodegradable, and still perform to standards. Optionally, both the container body and the cap are made from biodegradable materials such as molded pulp fibers. An advantage of using these types of fibers is their ability to withstand compression. (This feature is evident in the widespread use of molded pulp in cushioning applications, such as the inner packaging used for the shipment of goods, i.e., electronics, furniture, home goods, etc.) As a result, the present closed container system is therefore designed to be formed from molded pulp as it relies on compression both to open and to close the container. Advantageously, there is no twisting motion involved that could compromise the integrity of the fiber materials used. In addition, another advantage of the present use of these fiber materials is that they are non-toxic. As such, the present system can meet FDA guidelines (including those set forth by the Toxins in Packaging Coalition). As such, the present system can meet objective standards set forth by both USP and FDA guidelines. Recycled materials may also be used in the present system.

In contrast, many existing sealable closed container systems are currently made of plastic polymers, which are thought to be superior in terms of performance, durability, and non-toxicity. Recycled materials, such as molded pulp, are typically not allowed due to the potential presence of a list of toxic heavy metals contained in the inks of recycled paper. Furthermore, these recycled materials are possibly regarded as too weak to perform to standard.

Furthermore, the present container body is compact and stacks efficiently due to its sloped walls. This design allows for it to advantageously “nest” inside another container. In addition, the top caps can also be nested within one another. This improvement adds organization and value to an operation by optimizing storage space in general, but particularly in the pharmacy and during transport.

In optional embodiments, the cap may contain side bumps to lift it away from the container body. In further optional embodiments, the cap may also contain side legs extending downwardly into the container body, and optional hinges on the side legs. These features can be used to provide child-proofing. However, it is to be understood that the present system encompasses both systems that are child-proof and systems that are not necessarily child-proof.

In further optional embodiments, the present system comprises: a container body having a cylindrical, inwardly sloping shape; and a cap receivable onto the container body, wherein the container body and the cap are formed from biodegradable materials (preferably molded pulp fiber). In these optional embodiments, the container body preferably has a top lip and the cap is received over the lip. The cap has a bottom rim that encircles the top lip of the cap when the cap is received over the lip. More preferably, the lip of the container body has a notch formed therein and the bottom rim of the cap has an inwardly facing protrusion formed thereon, and the inwardly facing protrusion on the bottom rim passes through the notch on the lip when the cap is received over the lip. As such, rotation of the cap after the cap has been received over the lip locks the inwardly facing protrusion underneath the top lip of the container body. In preferred embodiments, the container body may be made of a biodegradable material including, but not limited to, molded pulp fiber, and the cap may be made of plastic. However, both the container body and the cap may be made of plastic, bioplastics, or biodegradable materials including molded pulp fiber or other suitable biodegradable materials.

In contrast to traditional screw-type closure systems, the present system does not require threads and grooves near the lip of the container body or on the interior rim of the cap. As a result, rotation of the cap after the cap has been received over the lip does not exert undue force on the fiber material. This allows the present system to maintain its strength without failure.

Yet another advantage of the present closed container system is the ability to paper shred the container body, disposing of Private Health Information printed thereon in a secure way.

These and other embodiments of the present system may be used inside and outside of the pharmaceutical and nutrition industries, including uses such as storage containers, food and beverage containers, and in cannabis industries. Also, a variety of shapes and materials may be used for the closed container system other than those described in this application, such as plastic, mycelium, algae, or other plant-based material. In addition, a paper or plant-based container may optionally be impregnated with seeds with the intention of planting said container after its useful life cycle. Such an embodiment may be used in cannabis, home and garden, and other herbal remedies markets.

Other advantages will be apparent from the description that follows, including the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of the present container body.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the container body showing a hole passing through a flat-faced wall portion of the container body.

FIG. 2 is a top downward looking plan view showing the inside of the container body.

FIG. 3A is a side elevation view of the container's top cap showing the tab on the cap.

FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of the cap with both side tabs visible.

FIG. 4 is a top downward looking plan view showing the inside of the cap.

FIG. 5 is an exploded side perspective view showing the cap and the container body.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view showing the cap engaged within the container body.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view showing the exposed tabs of the cap when the cap is engaged with the container body.

FIG. 8 illustrates a user's hand holding the present closed container system.

FIG. 9 illustrates the user's hand pressing the tabs of the cap to release it from the container body.

FIG. 10 illustrates the cap disengaged from the container body while the user's hand holds the container body.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of non-child-resistant cap embodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are two rotated side elevation views of the non-child-resistant cap of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13A illustrates the non-child-resistant cap of FIG. 11 separated from the container body.

FIG. 13B illustrates the non-child-resistant cap of FIG. 11 engaged with the container body.

FIG. 14A is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a child-resistant cap.

FIG. 14B is a plan view of the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A with its top hinges pushed inwardly.

FIG. 14C is a side elevation view of the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A showing the tabs on the legs.

FIG. 14D is another side elevation view of the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A, but rotated 90 degrees to be viewed from a different angle.

FIG. 14E is a rotated elevation view of the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A before top hinges are engaged (i.e.: before the hinges are pushed inwardly).

FIG. 14F is a rotated elevation view of the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A after top hinges are engaged (i.e.: after the hinges are pushed inwardly).

FIG. 15 shows the user's hand holding the container with the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A engaged.

FIG. 16 shows the user's hand pressing the top hinges of the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A to disengage the tabs from the container body.

FIG. 17 shows the user's right hand pressing the top hinges of the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A, while their left hand lifts the cap from the container.

FIG. 18 shows the user's right hand holding the container, while the left hand holds the child-resistant cap of FIG. 14A.

FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of an alternate container body to be used with a pop-on or screw-on cap.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of a pop-on cap having an exterior tab.

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the pop-on cap of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an exploded side elevation view showing the pop-on cap of FIG. 21 received onto the container body of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24 corresponds to FIG. 23 after the pop-on cap has been placed onto the container body.

FIG. 25 is a close-up side edge view corresponding to FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side elevation view of a container body having notches cut into its top lip.

FIG. 27 is a top plan view corresponding to FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of a screw-on cap having an interior protrusion and an exterior tab.

FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view of the screw-on cap of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is an exploded side elevation view showing the screw-on cap of FIG. 28 received onto the container body of FIG. 26.

FIG. 31 corresponds to FIG. 30 after the screw-on cap has been placed onto the container body.

FIG. 32 corresponds to FIG. 31 after the screw-on cap has been rotated into position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a front elevation view of the container body 12, having a top 14 and a base 16. Container body 12 has inwardly sloped walls 18 that have advantages that will be discussed in detail herein.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of container body 12 (i.e.: turned 90 degrees from the position seen in FIG. 1A) to illustrate the flat-faced wall portion 20 having a hole 22 therein. These same features are preferably also located on the opposite side of the container body 12.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view looking downwardly into container body 12 showing the open top 14, base 16, holes 22A/22B, and floor 13 of container body 12. In this particular embodiment, the side walls are generally round in shape (forming an inwardly tapering cylinder) except where the flat wall portions 20A/20B are located. The straight, flat wall portions 20A/20B may advantageously enhance structural rigidity and serve as a guide for aligning the cap 24 within the open top end of container body 12.

In the side elevation view of FIG. 3A, the top 26 and base 28 of the cap 24 are shown. The shaded area is the tab 32, which is used for closure and release of the cap. Preferably, a notch 25 is located just above tab 32. As can be seen, cap 24 has generally inwardly sloping walls, an open top end 26 and a closed bottom end 24. As such, this inwardly sloping wall design shape of cap 24 may allow multiple identical caps to nest inside each other during storage. Similarly, the inwardly sloping shape of container body 12 may also allow multiple identical container bodies to nest within one another (for example, to save space during transportation or storage). As can be seen, the slope 30 of the cap 24 is similar to that of the container body. More preferably, however, the side slope of container body 12 will be steeper than the side slope of cap 24. This would advantageously help cap 24 to lock firmly into position in the container body when pushed downwardly therein.

FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of the cap 24 that illustrates the exposed tabs 32A/32B that may flank either side of cap 24. These outwardly projecting tabs on cap 24 align with the flattened side portions 20 of container body 12.

FIG. 4 is a top downward looking plan view of cap 24 showing tabs 32A/32B. This top plan view looks down inside the cap 24 and shows the top 26 and base 28 of cap 24. The base of cap 24 has a floor 31, which serves to separate the contents inside the container body 12 from the outside.

FIG. 5 is an exploded side elevation view showing cap 24 and container body 12. As previously stated, the cap 24 and container body 12 may have similar slopes 30 and 18 respectively. It is to be understood, however, that these slopes 18 and 30 need not be exactly the same angle, and preferably aren't exactly the same angle. Preferably, the side walls of the container are steeper than those of the cap (to firmly secure the cap in position). Moreover, the top diameters 27 and 29 of each are similar, but the diameter of the cap 24 can optionally be slightly smaller. The advantage of this design is that the cap 24 and cylinder body 12 would mate more firmly with one other.

In the illustrated embodiment, container body 12 is cylindrically-shaped with sloped walls that have holes 22 positioned on opposite facing walls. An inverted cap 24 (i.e.: a cylinder standing upright with the top face open) has similarly sloped walls to that of the container body, and exterior tabs 32 attached thereto, aligns with and slides into the top 14 of the container body 12. As the cap 24 travels further down into the body of container body 12, the cap 24 becomes snugger for two reasons. First, the tabs 32 of cap 24 begin to push more and more on the narrowing interior walls of container body 12. Second, the dissimilar slopes 18 and 30 of the cap and container body reach a point where the cap 24 can no longer move down tighter due to friction. At this point, tabs 32 of cap 24 engage holes 22 in the walls of the container body 12 and poke through. This locks cap 24 in place, as seen in FIG. 6. As seen in FIG. 7 (with container body 12 turned 90 degrees on its axis from FIG. 6), both tabs 32A/32B are clearly exposed to demonstrate a tamper-resistant, closed container system.

In FIG. 8, the user's hand 33 is holding the present system. As can be seen, the cap 24 is engaged in container body 12 and the user's index finger 36 and thumb 34 are near tabs 32A/32B.

In FIG. 9, the user's index finger 36 and thumb 34 are shown compressing tabs 32A/32B, thereby forcing tabs 32A/32B back thru holes 22 in the side walls of container body 12. At this point, cap 24 is under tension (at locations 38A/38B) from compressed tabs 32A/32B. The sloped walls 18 of container body 12 enable cap 24 to release that energy, forcing cap 24 upwards and out of container body 12 as seen in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 11, an embodiment of a non-child-resistant cap 40 is shown. Specifically, cap 40 has small bumps 42 that are used to help lift cap 40 away from container body 12. In FIG. 12A, the top 41, base 43 with downwardly extending legs 44A/44B of cap 40 are illustrated. Legs 44A/44B of base 43 provides support against the wall of container body 12 and provides outward support for legs 44A/44B. Legs 44A/44B create a friction fit once engaged inside the container. FIG. 12B is much the same as 12A, except rotated by 90 degrees to show cap 40 from a different angle.

Referring to FIG. 13A, an embodiment of non-child-resistant cap 40 is shown separated from container body 12. Cap 40 slides inside container body 12 as shown in FIG. 13B. As can be seen, tension is created at locations 38A/38B by the friction fit between the legs 44A/44B of cap 40 and the walls of container body 12. This embodiment of cap 40 can advantageously be used for individuals who aren't looking for child safety features, but wish to secure their medication and be able to remove the cap in an easy manner. There are a number of ways to achieve “friction fit” encompassed within the scope of the present system with cap 24 or 40 seated inside container body 12, such that it presses against the inside of the container body creating friction that holds it in place.

FIG. 14A is a plan view of an embodiment of a child-resistant cap 48 having top hinges 50A/B with small bumps 42A/42B. As can be seen, the position of top hinges 50A/50B are in-line with the perimeter of cap 48. (This is the resting position for top hinges 50A/50B).

FIG. 14B shows the top hinges 50A/50B positioned towards the middle of cap 48. FIG. 14C further illustrates the features of child-resistant cap 48. As can be seen, top hinges 50A/50B, legs 44A/44B, and tabs 32A/32B are present. FIG. 14D is an elevation view of the child-resistant cap rotated 90 degrees from the position in of FIG. 14C. FIG. 14D illustrates leg 44 and tab 32 of one side of cap 48. FIG. 14E and FIG. 14F both illustrate the mechanism of the child-resistant cap 48.

In FIG. 14E, top hinges 50A/50B are shown in their resting position. As can be seen, tabs 32A/32B on legs 44A/44B are practically touching dotted line 49, which simulates how tabs 32A/32B interface with container body 12. In FIG. 14F, top hinges 50A/50B are shown compressed inwards, thereby changing the angle of legs 44A/44B, and therefore changing the position of tabs 32A/32B. In relation to dotted line 49, tabs 32A/32B are now tucked inward. This view simulates how tabs 32A/32B would release from holes 22 of container body 12, thereby causing cap 48 to disengage.

In FIG. 15, the user's hand is shown holding container body 12 engaged with child-resistant cap 48. Tabs 32A/32B poke thru holes 22 of container body 12; thereby placing top hinges 50A/50B within easy reach of the user's finger and thumb. Small bumps 42A/42B help lift cap 48 of container body 12 when disengaging.

In FIG. 16, the user compresses top hinges 50A/50B which has two effects: (1) it creates tension (potential energy) at locations 38A/38B that helps push cap 48 upwards and outwards, and (2) it disengages tabs 32 from holes 22 of container body 12.

In FIG. 17, the user now incorporates the left hand to grab hold of the small bumps 42A/42B to help lift off cap 48 while the right hand continues to hold container body 12 and compress the top hinges 50A/50B. Lastly, FIG. 18 illustrates child-resistant cap 48 disengaged from container body 12.

In preferred embodiments, the cap (24, 40 or 48) and the outwardly projecting tabs 32 are all integrally formed from a single block of material. Preferably, the material is a biodegradable material, including but not limited to molded pulp fiber. Optionally, the present system can be made in a thermoformed process with a single, solid mold. Alternatively, a clamshell design can be used with the parts glued back together to conceal the seam. Optionally as well, either or both of the container body and the cap may be wrapped with a paper sleeve to increase smoothness, strength and impermeability.

Next, FIGS. 19 to 25 illustrate an alternate container body 51 to be used with a pop-on cap 55A. Container body 51 has a base 52 and a top 53. A lip 54 is formed at top 53. Since container body 51 is cylindrical, pop-on cap 55A can be placed in any position thereon and then gently snapped down into place. FIGS. 21 and 22 shows exterior tab 56, and FIG. 22 shows bottom rim 57 of cap 55A. Bottom rim 57 is received over top lip 54 when the cap 55A is pushed down on top of container body 51. Bottom rim 57 provides a snug-fitting friction fit. Later, a user can then push upwardly on tab 56 to remove the cap.

FIG. 23 is an exploded side elevation view showing the pop-on cap 55A received onto the container body 51. FIG. 24 corresponds to FIG. 23 after pop-on cap 55A has been placed onto container body 51. FIG. 25 is a close-up side edge view corresponding to FIG. 24.

Next, FIGS. 26 to 32 illustrate an alternate container body 59 to be used with a screw-on cap 55B. FIGS. 26 and 27 shows container body 59 having notches 60 cut into its top lip 54. FIGS. 28 and 29 show screw-on cap 55B having an interior protrusion 58 and an exterior tab 56.

FIG. 30 is an exploded side elevation view showing the screw-on cap 55B received onto container body 59. FIG. 31 corresponds to FIG. 30 after the screw-on cap has been placed onto the container body. Lastly, FIG. 32 corresponds to FIG. 31 after the screw-on cap has been rotated slightly into a locked position (i.e.: with interior protrusion 58 positioned directly underneath top lip 54). In alternate aspects, more than one set of corresponding notches 60 and inwardly-facing interior protrusions 58 may be provided (to more firmly secure cap 55B onto container body 59.

The embodiments of the present system shown in FIGS. 19 to 32 are advantageously favorable for industry adoption because they are conducive to standard bottling machinery, and allow fabrication with minimal modifications. Moreover, the small profile of caps 55A and 55B can be made from minimal material, thereby saving costs.

In preferred aspects, the biodegradable material used to make both cylinder body 51 or 59 and caps 55A or 55B can be, but is not limited to, molded pulp, plastic, bio-plastic, cork, fungus, or any other suitable material. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A closed container system, comprising: a container body having a cylindrical, inwardly sloping shape; and a cap receivable onto the container body, wherein the container body is made from biodegradable materials and the cap is made from plastic.
 2. The closed container system of claim 1, wherein the biodegradable material is molded pulp fiber and the plastic is standard class or bio-based.
 3. The closed container system of claim 1, wherein the container body has a top lip and the cap is received over the lip.
 4. The closed container system of claim 3, wherein the cap has a bottom rim that encircles the top lip of the cap when the cap is received over the lip.
 5. The closed container system of claim 4, wherein the lip of the container body has a notch formed therein and the bottom rim of the cap has an inwardly facing protrusion formed thereon, and wherein the inwardly facing protrusion on the bottom rim passes through the notch on the lip when the cap is received over the lip.
 6. The closed container system of claim 5, wherein rotation of the cap after the cap has been received over the lip locks the inwardly facing protrusion underneath the top lip of the container body.
 7. The closed container system of claim 1, wherein the container body has an open top end and is dimensioned to nest within an identical container body.
 8. A closed container system, comprising: a container body having a cylindrical, inwardly sloping shape; and a cap receivable onto the container body, wherein the container body and the cap are made from biodegradable materials.
 9. The closed container system of claim 8, wherein the biodegradable material is molded pulp fiber or plant-based material.
 10. The closed container system of claim 8, wherein the biodegradable material is bio-plastic.
 11. The closed container system of claim 8, wherein the container body has a top lip and the cap is received over the lip.
 12. The closed container system of claim 11, wherein the cap has a bottom rim that encircles the top lip of the cap when the cap is received over the lip.
 13. The closed container system of claim 12, wherein the lip of the container body has a notch formed therein and the bottom rim of the cap has an inwardly facing protrusion formed thereon, and wherein the inwardly facing protrusion on the bottom rim passes through the notch on the lip when the cap is received over the lip.
 14. The closed container system of claim 13, wherein rotation of the cap after the cap has been received over the lip locks the inwardly facing protrusion underneath the top lip of the container body.
 15. The closed container system of claim 8, wherein the container body has an open top end and is dimensioned to nest within an identical container body. 